7 Hot Ethnic Restaurants

Friday, February 17, 2012

Meghan Ottolini, GoLocalWorcester Contributer

Hirosaki Prime's Hibachi Shrimp and Scallops. Courtesy of WorcesterScene.com

It’s time to spice up your dinner plans! Worcester has such a variety of international cuisine, it can be daunting to figure out where to start. Choose from any of these ethnic restaurants, and treat your taste buds to something a little more exotic.

Japanese

Hirosaki Prime, Worcester’s new upscale Japanese steak house, carries a huge assortment of sushi, steak dinners, and seafood. Try the “No Joke Roll,” (asparagus tempura and cream cheese topped with filet Carpaccio and truffle chili oil). 1121 Grafton Street, Worcester, MA (508) 926-8700

Both sophisticated and cozy, Baba Sushi is an award-winning sushi and sake spot on Park Avenue. Master Chef and owner Wilson Wang is relentlessly innovative in his sushi dishes. Try the Lion King Roll, composed of spicy tuna, tempura crunch, nori roll, and topped with king crab and BABA eel sauce. 309 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA (508) 752-8822

Greek

Zorba’s Taverna Restaurant and Bar offers an incredibly extensive menu full of salads, mezedes, kabobs, and pizzas. Try the Lamb Kabobs for an authentic Greek dish, served over a bed of rice pilaf. Zorba’s is open for lunch and dinner. 97 Stafford Street, Worcester, MA (508) 796-4828

Ritual's Chicken Marsala. Courtesy of WorcesterScene.com

Main Street’s new spot Ritual defines itself as Mediterranean Fusion, but their menu is composed primarily of delicious Greek dishes. Try the Eggplant stack, stuffed with seasoned beef and bechamel sauce. Prepare yourself for 3 layers of meat! 281 Main Street, Worcester, MA (508) 762-9501

Indian

Ask a Worcester local about Indian food and chances are, you’ll get raves about Surya Indian Cuisine on Shrewsbury Street. The Tikka Masala and Vindaloo Chicken are favorites.
Tuesday-Saturday: 11:30am-10pm, Sunday: 5-10pm, Monday: Closed 299 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA (508) 752-3700

Middle Eastern

Sahara on Highland Street offers delectable Labenese fare in a casual dining atmosphere. Expect flavorful chicken shwarmas and crispy falafels, as well as live music performances.
Monday-Saturday: 11am-2am, Sunday: 1pm-8pm 143 Highland Street, Worcester, MA (508) 798-2181

Shiraz Armenian Cuisine on Park Avenue will is a popular lunch spot among students and businesspeople alike. If you’re looking to ease into Armenian food, start with the grilled eggplant slices, chicken, rice, and salad.
Monday and Tuesday:11am-8pm, Wednesday and Thursday: 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm, Sunday: Closed 259 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA (508) 767-1639